Glow

Today’s first reading (Ex. 34:29-35) describes the strange phenomenon of Moses’ face glowing after he looks upon God.

The people found this disturbing, so after speaking with God and then passing God’s word on to the people, Moses would place a veil over his face.

However, while he was passing on God’s word, Moses’ face would still be unveiled and would be glowing with God's glory.

Our own encounters with God in prayer may rarely (if ever) be as dramatic as those of Moses, but if we are open to his grace, these encounters will always have an effect on us, in various ways and various degrees.

Moreover, if this effect on us is apparent to others as we give witness to Christ, then the effectiveness of our witness can be greatly enhanced. (A "glowing" Christian generally makes a better witness than a cranky Christian.)

Of course, there may be times when we need to keep ourselves veiled (figuratively speaking). Sometimes the intimacy of our encounters with God can be so great that they cannot be properly shared with everyone.

This veil, this reticence, however, cannot be absolute and permanent, for Christ calls us to let our light shine before men that they may give glory to our heavenly Father.

In whatever form the Lord desires, may you and I always glow with the glory and for the glory of God.